CHARACTERIZATION OF EMISSIONS OF DIOXINS AND FURANS FROM ETHYLENE DICHLORIDE (EDC), VINYL-CHLORIDE (VCM) AND POLYVINYLCHLORIDE) (PVC) MANUFACTURING FACILITIES IN THE UNITED-STATES - I - RESIN, TREATED WASTE-WATER, AND ETHYLENE DICHLORIDE

Under the auspices of its Dioxin Characterization Program, members of The Vinyl Institute (VI), have analyzed for potential polychlorinated dibenzodioxin/furan (PCDD/F) concentrations in polyvinylchloride (PVC) resins, treated wastewater effluent and ethylene dichloride (EDC) pro duct at EDC, vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and PVC manufacturing facili ties in the U.S. and Canada. No 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD ) was detected in any samp le analyzed under the program to date. Trac e concentrations (low pg/g) of PCDD/F were detected in only a few samp les of PVC resins and EDC product. Treated wastewater contained low pp q concentrations of PCDD/F. All concentrations are expressed as Toxic Equivalents (TEQ). Extrapolation of these data shows that the contribu tion of EDC/VCM/PVC manufacturing via these media constitutes substant ially less than 1 percent of the estimated annual U.S, dioxin releases to the environment. (C)1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .